Speak to people vs Speak to the people

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Speak to people' is a general statement about communicating with individuals in general, while 'speak to the people' refers to addressing a specific group of people or the public in a formal or official manner.

Last updated: March 24, 2024 • 943 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"Speak to people"

This phrase is used when referring to the act of communicating with individuals in general.

Examples:

It's important to speak to people respectfully.
I always try to speak to people in a way that they can understand.

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Just listen closely and you'll be able to speak to people and understand them.
There's something about the Lord of the Rings that is able to speak to people, and I think that has a lot to do with its connection to mythology.
When I speak to people from the North, they all loved your father.
Speak to people in the building trade, Eastern European community, homeless people.
I don't speak to people who arrive late and upset their girlfriends.
At home I don't even speak to people like you, let alone lend them money.
That is not how I taught you to speak to people on the phone.
I need to speak to people, but I haven't got anybody's numbers any more.
It is trying to talk to me, as it has always tried to speak to people over the ages.
When I speak to people of a non-mathematical nature, they always struggle with the notion that mathematics can be beautiful.
We don't speak to people who use the verb "to be".
But then, you see, one can't speak to people unless one has been introduced.
'Not that you do actually speak to people, but you know what I mean.'
Do you think I don't speak to people in the City?
I was told that she'll just speak to people she feels close to once in a while, and increase the amount little by little.
And in fact, if you speak to people who are on long-term warfarin, it is a serious compromise to your quality of life.
Irish representatives, Finnish representatives, German representatives, Austrian representatives, French representatives must speak to people to tell them what is required.

Alternatives:

talk to people
communicate with people
have conversations with people
address individuals

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"Speak to the people"

This phrase is used when referring to addressing a specific group of people or the public in a formal or official manner.

Examples:

The president will speak to the people about the new policies.
It's important for leaders to speak to the people they represent.

Show examples from the web [+]

When Jesus wants to speak to the people, the policemen come to arrest Jesus.
So, thanks to you all, from whatever parties, who have really been working for culture to become important and culture to be able to speak to the people.
If we are to speak to the people of Europe, then the people's rights must be covered by the people's Court and the people's Parliament.
More than happy to speak to the people directly and back your decision.
We were on our way to speak to the people of your settlement.
When we return to the hut... I will speak to the people.
If you let me speak to the people on this list, I'll uncover the spy before your field agent returns.
I demand to speak to the people in charge!
And her smoothness, her very silence and her patience speak to the people and they pity her.
12th Man: If I was to go back to Iraq and speak to the people, I'd have to bow down and kiss their feet.
I'm doing this here because I want to speak to the city... speak to the people who voted for me... speak to my family.

Alternatives:

address the people
communicate with the public
talk to the audience
give a speech to the people

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Speak to people vs Speak to the people

"Speak to people"

"Speak to the people"

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